​​What is the order of events at a typical Vital Healing Project session?

First, we would encourage that you constantly visit our website for most updated information on each monthly session. Our 2017 schedule outlines each monthly topic and invited guests. The time period for each session is 2-hrs, 7PM-9PM, and based on turnout, attendees may be split into two groups. At the door, you will be asked to enter for a chance to win prizes. We will also have paper resources on self-care, emergency hotlines, etc, courtesy of The Samaritans. We will also provide you with a copy of our post-session survey, which we would like you to complete prior to leaving the event. At each session, we will re-emphasize the need for mutual respect and compassion, and also remind individuals that each session is considered a safe space and judgement-free zone. Following a 50-minute collegial dialogue on assigned topics, we will have an intermission, which could be one of the following: yoga sessions, self-care instructions, music performance, spoken word, etc. Please know that for January 25th, there are no dialogue topics. Therefore, we will only get to know each other, while enjoying some great music performances. Following each sessions, we will announce prize winners, after which meetings will be adjourned.

I have mental illness and as much as I would like to attend this program, I feel uncomfortable sharing my experiences for fear that this will affect my relationship with my neighbor or friend, either of whom could be in attendance. What do I do?

We encourage you to attend regardless. This event is primarily for individuals with mental illness who would best benefit from our dialogue, learn from invited professionals, and be better equipped with the confidence and self-awareness to recognize that it is okay to seek help. No one will be required to speak if they prefer not to. Just listening can be beneficial.

Are the sessions streamlined? That is, do I have to attend a prior session to be able to attend the following month's session?

No, the sessions are not streamlined. However, it would be most beneficial to attend every session if possible, but if you cannot make one, please endeavor to make the next one. We also recommend signing up for our monthly newsletter, as a brief summary of each session will be captured on the newsletter.

I am not considered a U.S minority. Can I still attend?

Yes. Although our target audience is U.S minorities, individuals who identify as Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, etc, we encourage you to still attend. This is a free program that is open to the public, and our hope is to communally educate, heal, and promote preventive measures that have been found to contribute to overall personal wellness.

You may support us by donating and helping us reach our $2,400/ year goal. Every amount donated goes into a special component of this project. For instance, $20 donated helps us keep this website active for one month. Another $20 goes into T-shirt prizes, which you or your fellow attendee could win. Another $20 donated helps us provide food each month. Any surplus generated from this fund will be donated to a Boston-based homeless shelter. Please go on
https://www.gofundme.com/minoritymentalhealthcare to support our program.

Who sees my post-session surveys, and how are the information used?

All post session surveys are confidential, and will be primarily used to obtain feedback from attendees. This allows us to follow your journey, and celebrate you every step of the way.

What days/ times are the events, and where?

The Vital Healing Project is scheduled for every last Wednesday of the each month, at 7PM ET. It will be held at the Dudley Cafe, located on 15 Warren Street, Roxbury MA 02119 USA.

Can I directly contact any of the healthcare professionals?

No. Please understand that our goal with this project is to provide a safe space for education, healing, and promotion of mental illness preventive measures. Out of respect for the time and privacy of our healthcare professionals, we do not recommend that you reach out to them for personal counseling. If you would be interested in hearing more from them regarding an unfinished topic at each session, please send us an email at
[email protected]

Will I be able to talk to a healthcare professional about my specific needs (which includes and not limited to my diagnosis, medication, health insurance, etc) during this event?

No. The goal of this project is to engage in a broad (non-personalized) dialogue on mental health issues that plague minority populations. Since we are on a journey to de-stigmatize mental illness, we recommend that you share any personal experience during this dialogue. However, we do not recommend that you direct personal questions to invited healthcare professionals, during or after each dialogue. It is very important to keep in mind that the goal of this project is to work together in helping each other heal, learn, and grow.

Do I have to identify as someone with mental illness to attend this event?

No. By participating in this dialogue, you are indirectly helping someone, somewhere, who is afflicted with this illness but ashamed to seek help.

What is the best way to get to Dudley Cafe? How can I get there using public transportation? Is there parking?

Dudley Cafe is located in the heart of Roxbury, centrally at Dudley square, and very close to the Roxbury Police Department. Our address is 15 Warren Street, Roxbury MA 02119 USA. Street parking is free after 7PM and if using the subway, Roxbury Crossing is the closest subway train station.